U.S. patent number 7,503,285 [Application Number 11/157,251] was granted by the patent office on 2009-03-17 for flexible animal training electrode assembly.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Radio Systems Corporation. Invention is credited to Christopher E. Mainini, Walter D. Scott.
United States Patent |
7,503,285 |
Mainini , et al. |
March 17, 2009 |
Flexible animal training electrode assembly
Abstract
A flexible electrode assembly for use with an electronic animal
training device. The flexible electrode assembly provides pressure
relief in the event that the collar is over-tightened. Pressure
relief is obtained through the use of resilient materials or
mechanical pre-loads that allow movement in response to applied
pressure. Because the position of the electrodes in the flexible
electrode assembly is not fixed, pet owners are generally more
likely to properly tighten the collar thereby allowing the animal
training device to function effectively.
Inventors: |
Mainini; Christopher E.
(Knoxville, TN), Scott; Walter D. (Austin, TX) |
Assignee: |
Radio Systems Corporation
(Knoxville, TN)
|
Family
ID: |
37572119 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/157,251 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2005 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20060283401 A1 |
Dec 21, 2006 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
119/719;
119/720 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K
15/021 (20130101); A01K 27/009 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A01K
15/02 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;119/712,718,719,720,856,859 ;607/58 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Nguyen; T.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Pitts, Brittian, P.C.
Claims
Having thus described the aforementioned invention, what is claimed
is:
1. An electrode assembly for use with an electronic animal training
apparatus, said electrode assembly comprising: a base having a
first connection point and a second connection point, said first
connection point and said second connection point allowing said
base to be electrically connected to the electrical animal training
apparatus; a first projection extending from said base and having
at least a portion moveable relative to said base, said first
projection being fabricated from an electrically non-conductive
material; a first electrode in electrical communication with said
first connection point, said first electrode supported by said
first projection whereby said first electrode is displaceable
relative to said base; a second projection extending from said base
and having at least a portion moveable relative to said base, said
second projection being fabricated from an electrically
non-conductive material; and a second electrode in electrical
communication with said second connection point, said second
electrode supported by said second projection whereby said second
electrode is displaceable relative to said base.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
The invention relates to animal training devices. More
specifically, this invention relates to electrodes for use with an
electronic animal training device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Electric animal training devices are commonly used today in a
variety of applications. They are used to deter undesirable
behavior in unattended animals, provide positive and negative
reinforcement for animals during interactive training sessions, to
encourage pets to remain within specified areas, and to deter pets
from entering certain areas. Examples of these devices include
electronic bark collars, remote training transmitters and
associated collars, and containment systems having a transmitter
connected to a boundary wire and an associated collar unit.
A commonly used correction stimulus in electronic animal training
devices is an electric shock stimulus. The collar unit, which is
worn by the pet, houses an electric shock generating circuit that
administers a shock stimulus to the animal through two external
electrodes. The standard electrode used in most electric animal
training devices available today is formed from an electrically
conductive material, typically a metal. An electrode has a rounded
hex-head shape with a threaded extension. The threaded extension
physically and electrically connects the electrode to the collar
unit. An example of a conventional animal training electrode is
illustrated in FIG. 1.
Being formed from an electrically conductive metal, the animal
training electrodes in use today are rigid and inflexible. While
considerable effort has been put into educating pet owners on how
to properly fit an electronic animal training device to their pet,
problems in this area still exist. First, a pet owner maybe
reluctant to properly tighten the collar around the pet's neck for
fear that the rigid metal electrodes will injure the pet. If the
collar is not properly tightened, the electrodes do not make good
electrically contact with the skin of the pet thereby preventing
the electronic animal training device from delivering a productive
deterrent stimulus. Alternatively, pet owners attempting to ensure
that the collar is securely attached and that good electrical
contact is made are likely to over-tighten the collar. With the
collar fastened too tightly, the electrodes press into the neck of
the animal and may lead to a condition known as pressure necrosis.
Pressure necrosis produces lesions on the pet's neck that are prone
to infection. Ultimately, it is not desirable for the collar to be
too tight or too loose because the animal training device does not
work effectively or results in unnecessary injury to the pet.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A flexible electrode assembly for use with an electronic animal
training device is shown and described. The flexible electrode
assembly provides pressure relief in the event that the collar is
over-tightened. Pressure relief is obtained through the use of
resilient materials or mechanical pre-loads that move in response
to applied pressure. Because the position of the electrodes in the
flexible electrode assembly is not fixed, pet owners are generally
more likely to properly tighten the collar thereby allowing the
animal training device to function effectively.
The embodiments of the electrode assembly included herein
illustrate various features common to electrode assemblies that
fall within the scope of this invention. All of the electrode
assemblies embodying the present invention exhibit a degree of
flexibility that allows the electrode tips to be displaced by the
application of a force. The electrode assemblies are generally
categorized into two main types. First are the soft electrode
assemblies. The flexibility and resilience of the soft electrode
assembly primarily results from the selection of materials used to
fabricate the soft electrode assembly. The materials used to
fabricate the soft electrode assemblies are typically soft
elastomeric non-conductive materials that are easily deformable and
resilient enough to return to the original shape despite repeated
stresses. The flexible zone for the soft electrode assemblies
generally encompasses the entire electrode assembly with the more
relevant flexible zone being that defined by the projections
supporting the electrodes. A second type of electrode assembly is
the mechanical pre-load electrode assemblies. The mechanical
pre-load electrode assemblies are generally fabricated from more
rigid materials that provide greater durability. Rather than rely
on the flexibility of the material, the ability of movement is
imparted through the use of mechanical design principles that allow
the substantially rigid members to flex about certain points. The
mechanical pre-loads generally act as spring forces that hold the
electrode tips at a default resting position but allow the
electrode tips to move when a force is applied and control the
amount of force necessary to displace the electrode tips. The
flexible zone of the mechanical pre-load electrode assemblies is
generally limited to specific areas where flexibility has been
designed, such as the area proximate to the point where rigid
projections are connected to the base or a bend in the rigid
projections.
For soft electrode assemblies primarily fabricated from resilient
materials the following features are common. The soft electrode
assembly is formed out of a flexible and resilient material that
carries the electrical conductor used to transmit the electric
stimulus to the animal. A first projection and a second projection
extend outwardly from a base to form a pair of probes. Each
projection is located proximate to one end of the base. At the tip
of each projection, an electrically conductive material forms an
electrode tip that transfers the corrective stimulus to the animal.
Each of a pair of connector openings, in the base are
through-openings adapted to receive a fastener that secures the
soft electrode assembly to the collar unit. An
electrically-conductive and rigid grommet, bounding each of the
connector openings, adds physical strength to the flexible material
forming the soft electrode assembly. The grommets also provide an
electrical connection point between the probe outputs on the collar
unit and the projections of the soft electrode assembly.
A pair of optional relief openings exposes portions of flexible
electrical conductors that connect each of the grommets to the
corresponding electrode tip. The relief openings reduce the amount
of material that must be deformed when the soft electrode assembly
is flexed. The reduced amount of material reduces the amount of
force necessary to reposition the projections. Further the relief
openings provide access to the conductors for purposes such as
continuity testing.
In response to an applied force, the electrode tips are
displaceable from the normal resting position. One source for the
applied force is pressure resulting from the animal pressing the
collar unit against another object, such as when the animal lies
down. Another source is the tightening of collar. Because of the
flexibility of the materials used in the projections, and the
electrical conductor, the projection is able to move in response to
the force without breaking. The projection is sufficiently flexible
to move in response to the applied force to reduce the pressure
applied to the throat of the animal by the soft electrode assembly.
Repositioning the projections, of the soft electrode assembly in
response to an applied force alleviates pain, discomfort, and
potential injury to the animal, including conditions such as
pressure necrosis. For the resilient embodiments of the soft
electrode assembly, the entirety of each projection generally
defines a flexible zone.
A mechanical pre-load electrode assembly is fabricated from more
rigid materials than the soft electrode assembly. A first
projection and a second projection are located proximate to
opposing ends of the base and extend outwardly from a substantially
rigid base to form a pair of probes. The first projection and the
second projection are substantially rigid members that are attached
to the base at a first end, and move freely at a distal second end.
An electrode tip is carried proximate to the second end of each of
the first projection and the second projection. The electrode tips
are fabricated from an electrically conductive material and serve
to transfer the corrective stimulus to the animal.
Mechanical configurations such as the connection between the base
and each first end or a bend in the projection results in a
flexible joint that allows the second end to move towards and away
from the base. As with the soft electrode assemblies, the
mechanical pre-load electrode assemblies also includes a pair of
connector openings, adapted to receive a fastener that secures the
mechanical pre-load electrode assembly to the collar unit. Grommets
bounding each of the connector openings provide electrical and
physical connection points. Optional openings exposing the
connector primarily serve to allow access to the internal
electrical conductor connecting the grommets to the electrode tips
for testing purposes.
Because of the flexibility of the materials used in the projections
the support members, and the electrical conductors, the projections
are able to move in response to the force without breaking and,
thereby, reduce the pressure applied to the throat of the animal by
the mechanical pre-load electrode assembly. Repositioning the
projections of the mechanical pre-load electrode assembly in
response to an applied force alleviates pain, discomfort, and
potential injury to the animal, including conditions such as
pressure necrosis.
Proper fit and placement of an electronic animal training apparatus
is necessary for achieving the effective operation. A typical
mechanism for securing an electronic animal training apparatus to a
pet is with a collar, although other mechanisms are considered to
be with the scope and spirit of the present invention. With
conventional rigid electrodes a typical set of fitting instructions
notify the consumer that the electrodes must be placed in direct
contact to the animal's skin on the underside of the animal's neck
with the animal in a standing position. Further, it is suggested
that sometimes it is necessary to trim the fur in the area where
the electrodes engage the animal's skin to ensure consistent
contact. The tightness of the collar when using rigid electrodes is
tested by inserting one finger between the end of the electrode and
the animal's neck. The fit should be snug but not constricting.
The general instructions for fitting an electronic animal training
apparatus to an animal are subjective and depend upon variables
such as the thickness of the consumer's fingers and the consumer's
definitions of "snug" and "not constricting." As previously
discussed, the interpretation of "snug but not constricting" is
modified by the consumer's concerns over effective operation and
potential pain, discomfort, and injury. The animal training
electrode assembly of the present invention, as illustrated and
described through various embodiments, reduces the effects of the
subjective variables and allows the associated electronic animal
training apparatus to operate more effectively regardless of the
consumer's predispositions affecting collar tightness.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
The above-mentioned features of the invention will become more
clearly understood from the following detailed description of the
invention read together with the drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an electrode
assembly;
FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the electrode assembly of FIG.
1;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the electrode assembly of FIG. 1
taken along section lines 3-3;
FIG. 4 illustrates one end of the electrode assembly showing the
movement of the probe member in response to an applied force
resulting from over-tightening of the collar;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the electrode
assembly;
FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the electrode assembly of FIG.
5;
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the electrode assembly of FIG. 5
taken along section lines 8-8;
FIG. 8 illustrates one end of the electrode assembly of FIG. 5
showing the movement of the probe member in response to an applied
force resulting from over-tightening of the collar;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an electrode
assembly having a mechanical pre-load;
FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the electrode assembly of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the electrode assembly of FIG. 9
taken along section lines 12-12;
FIG. 12 illustrates one end of the electrode assembly of FIG. 9
showing the movement of the probe member in response to an applied
force resulting from over-tightening of the collar;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an electrode
assembly having a mechanical pre-load;
FIG. 14 is a front elevation view of the electrode assembly of FIG.
13;
FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the electrode assembly of FIG. 13
taken along section lines 16-16;
FIG. 16 illustrates one end of the electrode assembly of FIG. 13
showing the movement of the probe member in response to an applied
force resulting from over-tightening of the collar; and
FIG. 17 is an exploded assembly drawing of an electronic animal
training apparatus using the electrode assembly of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A flexible electrode assembly for use with an electronic animal
training device is shown and described in the figures. The flexible
electrode assembly provides pressure relief in the event that the
collar is over-tightened. Pressure relief is obtained through the
use of resilient materials or mechanical pre-loads that move in
response to applied pressure. Because the position of the
electrodes in the flexible electrode assembly is not fixed, pet
owners are generally more likely to properly tighten the collar
allowing the animal training device to function effectively.
All of the flexible electrode assemblies embodying the present
invention exhibit a degree of flexibility that allows the electrode
tips to be displaced by the application of a force. The electrode
assemblies are generally categorized into two main types. First are
the soft electrode assemblies. The flexibility and resilience of
the soft electrode assembly primarily results from the selection of
materials used to fabricate the soft electrode assembly. The
materials used to fabricate the soft electrode assemblies are
typically soft, elastomeric, non-conductive materials that are
easily deformable and resilient enough to return to the original
shape despite repeated stresses. The flexible zone for the soft
electrode assemblies generally encompasses the entire electrode
assembly with the more relevant flexible zone being that defined by
the projections supporting the electrodes. A second type of
electrode assembly is the mechanical pre-load electrode assemblies.
The mechanical pre-load electrode assemblies are generally
fabricated from more rigid materials that provide greater
durability. Rather than rely on the flexibility of the material,
the ability of movement is imparted through the use of mechanical
design principles that allow the substantially rigid members to
flex about certain points. The mechanical pre-loads generally act
as spring forces that hold the electrode tips at a default resting
position but allow the electrode tips to move when a force is
applied and control the amount of force necessary to displace the
electrode tips. The flexible zone of the mechanical pre-load
electrode assemblies is generally limited to specific areas where
flexibility has been designed, such as the area proximate to the
point where rigid projections are connected to the base or a bend
in the rigid projections.
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a horizontal
soft electrode assembly 100 according to the present invention. The
horizontal soft electrode assembly 100 is formed out of a flexible
material that carries the electrical conductor used to transmit the
electric stimulus to the animal. In the illustrated embodiment, the
carrier includes a base 102 that is a substantially planar member.
A first projection 104 and a second projection 106 extend outwardly
from the base 102 to form a pair of probes. Each projection 102,
104 is located proximate to one end of the base 102. At the tip of
each projection 102, 104, an electrically conductive material forms
an electrode tip 108, 110 that transfers the corrective stimulus to
the animal. Each of a pair of connector openings 112, 114 in the
base 102 are through-openings adapted to receive a fastener that
secures the horizontal soft electrode assembly 100 to the collar
unit. An electrically-conductive and rigid grommet 116, 118
bounding each of the connector openings 112, 114 adds physical
strength to the flexible material forming the horizontal soft
electrode assembly 100. Further, the grommets 116, 118 provide an
electrical connection point between the probe outputs on the collar
unit and the projections 102, 104 built into the horizontal soft
electrode assembly 100.
FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the horizontal soft electrode
assembly 100 of FIG. 1. In this view, a pair of optional relief
openings 200, 202 is visible. Exposed by the relief openings 200,
202 are portions of the electrical conductors 204, 206 connecting
each of the grommets 116, 118 to the corresponding electrode tip
108, 110. The relief openings 200, 202 reduce the amount of
material that must be deformed when the electrode assembly 100 is
flexed. The reduced amount of material reduces the amount of force
necessary to reposition the projections 104, 106. FIG. 3 is a
sectional view of FIG. 2 taken along lines 3-3 providing a view of
the internal structure of an end portion of the horizontal soft
electrode assembly 100. In one embodiment, the electrical conductor
206 is a flexible and resilient wire such as piano wire.
FIG. 4 illustrates the effects of a force 400 applied to a
projection 106 of the horizontal soft electrode assembly 100. One
source for the applied force is pressure resulting from the animal
pressing the collar unit against another object, such as when the
animal lies down. Another source is the tightening of collar. FIG.
4 shows the resting position of the projection 106 in phantom
relative to the new position of the projection 106 due to the
applied force 400. Because of the flexibility of the materials used
in the projections 104, 106 and the electrical conductors 204, 206,
the projections 104, 106 are able to move in response to the force
400 without breaking. The projections 104, 106 are sufficiently
flexible to move in response to the applied force 400 to reduce the
pressure applied to the throat of the animal by the horizontal soft
electrode assembly 100. Repositioning the projections 104, 106 of
the horizontal soft electrode assembly 100 in response to an
applied force alleviates pain, discomfort, and potential injury to
the animal, including conditions such as pressure necrosis. For the
illustrated embodiment of the horizontal soft electrode assembly
100, the entirety of each projection 104, 106 generally defines a
flexible zone.
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a
vertical soft electrode assembly 500. In the illustrated
embodiment, the electrode tips 502, 504 are displaced orthogonally
to the line 510 running through the centers of the grommets 506,
508. A pair of wings 514, 516 extends from the main body 518 of the
base 512. In the illustrated embodiment, the wings 514, 516 have a
tapered and curved shape. A projection 520, 522 lies proximate to
the end of each wing 514, 516 and projects from the concave side of
each wing 514, 516. The electrode tips 502, 504 are carried by the
projections 520, 522. In the illustrated embodiment, the vertical
soft electrode assembly 500 includes a probe opening 524 to
accommodate collar units such as anti-bark collars that include a
probe resting against the neck of the animal to detect vibrations.
The grommets 506, 508 bound a pair of connector openings 526, 528
to provide strength and electrical contact points.
FIG. 6 illustrates a front elevation view of the electrode assembly
500. A pair of optional relief openings 600, 602 exposes portions
of the electrical conductors 604, 606 connecting each of the
grommets 506, 508 to the corresponding electrode tip 502, 504. FIG.
7 is a sectional view of FIG. 6 taken along lines 7-7 providing a
view of the internal structure of an end portion of the electrode
assembly 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrode tip 502
is an annual member 700 around which the electrical conductor 604
is wound. The electrode tips 502, 504 of the vertical soft
electrode assembly 500 provide structural support and, together
with the electrical conductors 604, 606, a structure for
transferring an electrical correction stimulus to the animal.
FIG. 8 illustrates the effects of a force 800 applied to one of the
projections 520 of the vertical soft electrode assembly 500. The
resting position of the projection 520 is shown in phantom relative
to the new position of the projection 520 due to the applied force
800. Because of the flexibility of the materials used in the
projections 520, 522 and the electrical conductors 604, 606, the
projections 518, 520 are able to move in response to the force 800
without breaking. The projections 518, 520 is sufficiently flexible
to move in response to the applied force 800 to reduce the pressure
applied to the throat of the animal by the vertical soft electrode
assembly 500. Repositioning the projections 520, 522 of the
vertical soft electrode assembly 500 in response to an applied
force alleviates pain, discomfort, and potential injury to the
animal, including conditions such as pressure necrosis. For the
illustrated embodiment of the vertical soft electrode assembly 500,
the entirety of each projection 520, 522 generally define a
flexible zone.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a mechanical pre-load electrode
assembly 900. The mechanical pre-load electrode assembly 900
includes a substantially rigid base 902. A first projection 904 and
a second projection 906 are located proximate to opposing ends of
the base 902 and extend outwardly from the base 902 to form a pair
of probes. In the illustrated embodiment, the first projection 904
and the second projection 906 are substantially rigid members that
are attached to the base 902 at a first end 908, 910 and move
freely at a distal second end 912, 914. The configuration of the
connection between the base 902 and each first end 908, 910 results
in a flexible joint that allows the second end 912, 914 to move
towards and away from the base 902. An electrode tip 916, 918 is
carried proximate to the second end of each of the first projection
904 and the second projection 906. The electrode tips 916, 918 are
fabricated from an electrically conductive material and serve to
transfer the corrective stimulus to the animal. The base defines a
pair of through-openings 920, 922 beneath the projections 904, 906
that allow the projections 904, 906 to be lowered to a point where
the electrode tips 916, 918 do not substantially extend beyond the
height of the base 902.
The mechanical pre-load electrode assembly 900 also includes a pair
of connector openings 924, 926 adapted to receive a fastener that
secures the mechanical pre-load electrode assembly 900 to the
collar unit. A grommet 928, 930 bounding each of the connector
openings 924, 926 provide electrical and physical connection
points. In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical pre-load
electrode assembly 900 includes a probe opening 932 to accommodate
collar units such as anti-bark collars that include a probe resting
against the neck of the animal to detect vibrations. Finally, the
illustrated embodiment shows a pair of collar guides 934, 936 that
are adapted to receive a collar and secure the collar unit and the
mechanical pre-load electrode assembly 900 to the animal.
FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the mechanical pre-load electrode
assembly 900. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one opening
1000a-f exposes portions of the electrical conductors 1002, 1004
connecting each of the grommets 928, 930 to the corresponding
electrode tip 916, 918. FIG. 11 is a sectional view of FIG. 10
taken along lines 11-11 providing a view of the internal structure
of an end portion of the mechanical pre-load electrode assembly
900. The internal structure uses similar components to those found
in the horizontal soft electrode assembly 100.
FIG. 12 illustrates the effects of a force 1200 applied to one of
the projections 906 of the mechanical pre-load electrode assembly
900. The resting position of the projection 906 is shown in phantom
relative to the new position of the projection 906 due to the
applied force 1200. Because of the mechanical design of the
projections 904, 906 and the flexibility of the materials used in
the projections 904, 906 and the electrical conductors 1002, 1004,
the projections 904, 906 are able to move in response to the force
1200 without breaking. The projections 904, 906 are sufficiently
flexible to move in response to the applied force 800 to reduce the
pressure applied to the throat of the animal by the mechanical
pre-load electrode assembly 900. Repositioning the projections 904,
906 of the mechanical pre-load electrode assembly 900 in response
to an applied force alleviates pain, discomfort, and potential
injury to the animal, including conditions such as pressure
necrosis.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a
mechanical pre-load electrode assembly 1300. The compact mechanical
pre-load electrode assembly 1300 eliminates the extensions that
provide the collar guides 934, 936 shown in FIGS. 9-12. The compact
mechanical pre-load electrode assembly 1300 includes a
substantially rigid base 1302. A first projection 1304 and a second
projection 1306 are located proximate to opposing ends of the base
1302 and extend outwardly from the base 1302 to form a pair of
probes. In the illustrated embodiment, the first projection 1304
and the second projection 1306 are substantially rigid members that
are attached to the base 1302 at a first end 1308, 1310 and move
freely at a distal second end 1312, 1314. A bend 1316, 1318 in the
projections 1304, 1306 between the first ends 1308, 1310 and the
second ends 1312, 1314 results in a flexible joint that allows the
second ends 1312, 1314 to move towards and away from the base 1302.
An electrode tip 1320, 1322 is carried proximate to the second end
1312, 1314 of each of the first projection 1304 and the second
projection 1306. The electrode tips 1316, 1318 are fabricated from
an electrically conductive material and serve to transfer the
corrective stimulus to the animal. Also visible is the optional
probe opening 324 to accommodate collar units such as anti-bark
collars that include a probe resting against the neck of the animal
to detect vibrations. Further, the compact mechanical pre-load
electrode assembly 1300 includes a pair of grommets 1326, 1328,
each surrounding one of a pair of connector openings adapted to
receive a fastener that secures the compact mechanical pre-load
electrode assembly 1300 to the collar unit. The grommets 1326, 1328
provide electrical and physical connection points.
FIG. 14 is a front elevation view of the compact mechanical
pre-load electrode assembly 1300. FIG. 15 is a sectional view of
FIG. 14 taken along lines 15-15 providing a view of the internal
structure of the compact mechanical pre-load electrode assembly
1300. Visible are the conductors 1500, 1502 that connect the
electrode tips 1316, 1318 to the corresponding grommets 1326, 1328.
In the illustrated embodiment of the compact mechanical pre-load
electrode assembly 1400, the electrode tips 1316, 1318 are closer
together than those shown in other embodiments with the electrode
tips 1316, 1318 located substantially above the grommets 1326,
1328.
FIG. 16 illustrates the effects of a force 1600 applied to one of
the projections 1306 of the compact mechanical pre-load electrode
assembly 1300. The resting position of the projection 1306 is shown
in phantom relative to the new position of the projection 1306 due
to the applied force 1600. As previously mentioned, the projections
1304, 1306 have a flexible zone in the area proximate to the bends
1316, 1318. Located in the inner curve of each bend 1316, 1318 is a
support member 1602, 1604. The support members 1602, 1604 serve
various functions including strengthening the flexible zone to
prevent the projections 1304, 1306 from breaking proximate to the
bends 1316, 1318, adjusting the amount of force required to bend
the projections 1304, 1306, and to return the projections 1304,
1306 to default positions. Although, typically molded from the same
material as the compact mechanical pre-load electrode assembly
1300, in some embodiments the support members 1602, 1604 are
fabricated using a material having different flexibility and
resilience characteristics. Accordingly, the support members 1602,
1604 may be substantially rigid or substantially flexible as
desired. Further, in some embodiments, the support members are
fabricated using springs.
Because of the mechanical design of the projections 1304, 1306 and
the flexibility of the materials used in the projections 1304,
1306, the support members 1602, 1604, and the electrical conductors
1500, 1502, the projections 1304, 1306 are able to move in response
to the force 1600 without breaking. The projections 1304, 1306 are
sufficiently flexible to move in response to the applied force 1600
to reduce the pressure applied to the throat of the animal by the
mechanical pre-load electrode assembly 1300. Repositioning the
projections 1304, 1306 of the mechanical pre-load electrode
assembly 1300 in response to an applied force alleviates pain,
discomfort, and potential injury to the animal, including
conditions such as pressure necrosis.
In an alternate embodiment, the flexible zone around the bends
1316, 1318 is accomplished by hingeably connecting two independent
elongated members and regulating the resting position and movement
using, for example, a spring as the structural member.
FIG. 17 is an exploded assembly drawing showing the vertical soft
electrode assembly 500 of FIG. 5 with a typical electronic animal
training apparatus collar unit 1700. The vertical soft electrode
assembly 500 is attached to the collar unit 1700 by electrically
conductive fasteners 1702, illustrated as screws.
Proper fit and placement of an electronic animal training apparatus
is necessary for achieving the effective operation. A typical
mechanism for securing an electronic animal training apparatus to a
pet is with a collar, although other mechanisms are considered to
be with the scope and spirit of the present invention. With
conventional rigid electrodes a typical set of fitting instructions
notify the consumer that the electrodes must be placed in direct
contact to the animal's skin on the underside of the animal's neck
with the animal in a standing position. Further, it is suggested
that sometimes it is necessary to trim the fur in the area where
the electrodes engage the animal's skin to ensure consistent
contact. The tightness of the collar when using rigid electrodes is
tested by inserting one finger between the end of the electrode and
the animal's neck. The fit should be snug but not constricting.
The general instructions for fitting an electronic animal training
apparatus to an animal are subjective and depend upon variables
such as the thickness of the consumer's fingers and the consumer's
definitions of "snug" and "not constricting." As previously
discussed, the interpretation of "snug but not constricting" is
modified by the consumer's concerns over effective operation and
potential pain, discomfort, and injury. The animal training
electrode assembly of the present invention, as illustrated and
described through various embodiments, reduces the effects of the
subjective variables and allows the associated electronic animal
training apparatus to operate more effectively regardless of the
consumer's predispositions affecting collar tightness.
A flexible animal training electrode assembly has been shown and
described. The flexible animal training electrode has a flexible
zone associated that allows an associated electrode tip to be
displaced in response to an applied force. The ability to displace
the electrodes results from the use of flexible and resilient
materials in the construction of a soft electrode assembly or
mechanical design features that allow a projection fabricated from
a substantially rigid material to flex in the construction of a
mechanical pre-load electrode assembly. Repositioning the
projections of the flexible electrode assembly in response to an
applied force alleviates pain, discomfort, and potential injury to
the animal, including conditions such as pressure necrosis.
Through the various embodiments, numerous features and variations
applicable to the electrode assembly have been shown. Other
embodiments of the electrode assembly may incorporate or delete
some or all of these features as necessary or desired without
departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Some
embodiments may optionally include an input opening for
accommodating an input probe such as the vibration sensor of a bark
collar. The distance between the electrode tips can vary in
differing embodiments as desired to accommodate a particular animal
size category or as necessary to accommodate the physical size of
the electrode assembly. Other embodiments may optionally include
collar guides to route a collar and provide a mechanism for
securing the entire collar unit to the animal. Relief openings in
the base of some embodiments may be used to vary the amount of
force necessary to displace the electrode tips. Other embodiments
may use openings that provide a greater range of movement such as
allowing the projections to be displaced below the surface level of
the base. The electrode assembly may also include exposure openings
allowing visual inspection of the electrical conductors or other
access to the conductors such as connection points for continuity
testing. In embodiments using substantially rigid projections, the
flexible zone may include a reinforcement member. The reinforcement
member serves at one of several functions such as preventing the
flexible zone from being stressed to a breaking point, providing a
counter-force to maintain a desired tension on the projection, or
returning the projection to specified resting position when the
projection is not subject to an applied force.
While the present invention has been illustrated by description of
several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have
been described in detail, it is not the intention of the applicant
to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to
such detail. Additional modifications will readily appear to those
skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is
therefore not limited to the specific details, representative
apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and
described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details
without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general
inventive concept.
* * * * *